Water Cycle

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

The sun powers the water cycle by providing heat that causes evaporation.

Evaporation is when water turns into vapor and rises into the air.

Condensation is when water vapor cools and turns back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Precipitation is any form of water that falls from clouds to the ground, like rain, snow, or hail.

Collection is when water gathers in lakes, rivers, oceans, and underground after precipitation.

Stratus clouds are low, flat, dark rain clouds that cover the sky.

Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy clouds high in the sky, usually indicating fair weather.

Cumulus clouds are fluffy, white clouds that look like cotton balls and often indicate good weather.

The water cycle happens over and over again continuously.